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    Watch Chelsea outcast Hakim Ziyech score sensational goal from inside his OWN HALF for Morocco ahead of World Cup 2022

    HAKIM ZIYECH has scored a wonder strike from inside his OWN HALF for Morocco.The Chelsea winger, 29, is preparing for the World Cup with his national side.

    Ziyech scored a wonder goal from well inside his own half for MoroccoCredit: AFP
    Morocco took on Georgia in a friendly on Thursday, days before the tournament kicks off.
    With his side already one goal up after 28 minutes, Ziyech was gifted the ball in his own half by the opposition.
    He took two touches, looked up and whipped his left-foot around the ball.
    He caught the Georgia keeper in no-man’s land and the ball sailed over his head into the back of the net.
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    Morocco went on to win the exhibition game 3-0, with Sofiane Boufal slotting home a 72-minute penalty.
    Ziyech recently performed a shock U-turn on international retirement.
    He said he was “honoured” to have been called up by Morocco for the Qatar showcase.
    And anyone following the national side will be buzzing to see him return with a goal from past the halfway line.
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    He had vowed to never play for his country again after a falling out with old boss Vahid Halilhodzic.
    Halilhodzic is now old news and Walid Regragui is in charge.
    And Regragui will lead Morocco into Qatar with Ziyech firmly in his plans.
    The Chelsea star has fallen out of favour under Graham Potter, and will look to use the tournament as a springboard to rejuvenate his career.
    He’s played a combined 32 Premier League minutes from the substitute bench since Potter took control.
    Ziyech is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2025. More

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    I’m an employment lawyer – here are your rights if your boss tries to sack you for missing work to watch the World Cup

    AS footie fans gear up to watch the Three Lions begin the quest for World Cup glory, many may be wondering how to avoid their work life clashing with matches. A string of supporters are already likely debating how to pull a sickie – but what are your rights if your boss tries to sack you for it?
    Brits may want to think twice about skiving off work to watch World Cup gamesCredit: AFP
    Due to the stifling heat and three-hour time difference with Qatar, pivotal games are scheduled to be played at sporadic times.
    This means a ton of Brits will miss out on watching England and other countries compete in the 2022 World Cup.
    The first England match is against Iran – who are 500/1 to win the trophy, compared to the Three Lions’s odds of 8/1 – and it starts at 1pm.
    A huge chunk of the UK’s 33 million-strong workforce will not be able to watch it as it kicks off during work hours.
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    According to a recent poll of 2,000 people, one in three Brits are already planning to call in sick for the game.
    An employment lawyer has now revealed the consequences you may face from your boss for missing work for the footie – and what rights you need to be aware of.
    Victoria Schofield, a solicitor at Slater & Gordon, says workers should be wary when trying to tackle their employer for a day off.
    She explained that unless your sports-loving executive has granted permission for you to watch specific World Cup matches, you will be liable to face disciplinary action if you bunk off.
    If you simply don’t turn up to work, you could face problems thanks to the fine print in your contract, according to Victoria.
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    She explained that many policies dictate employees must devote their whole time at work to their job – meaning if you sneak off to watch the match, you could be accused of “stealing” work time.
    The solicitor said: “A reasonable employer should of course carry out a reasonable investigation into any alleged disciplinary offence and be careful to apply a proportionate sanction. 
    “In most cases, an employee has a right to be given adequate warning about a disciplinary hearing, especially where dismissal is a potential outcome, and to be accompanied at that hearing, and be able to put his or her case forward.”
    If you are accused of misconduct, your employer must have a genuine belief that you are guilty following an internal probe.
    But if you are threatened with dismissal, it has to be within the “range of reasonable responses” your boss could have taken.
    This means that an employment tribunal would consider whether any reasonable employer would have sacked a worker in these circumstances.
    If you have a clean disciplinary record, a tribunal is likely to find that getting the boot from your job was unfair.
    Victoria said: “However, the cases are likely to be fact dependent and it is very hard to make any sweeping generalisations.”
    The employment law expert instead suggests trying to come to an agreement with your employer regarding flexibility during the World Cup.
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    Pledging to make up for any work time lost may help your case.
    But if your boss outright refuses your negotiation, Victoria explained there is not much else to do except using your holiday allowance.
    For those fearful of nursing a hangover from the night before, you are likely to avoid dismissal if you turn up late as a one-off.
    However, you could still be slapped with a verbal or written warning for your bad timekeeping.
    But Brits who are simply too rough from the beer to physically work are liable to face disciplinary action.
    Victoria continued: “A flexible employer might be willing to agree to special unpaid leave for employees to watch matches, or late starts/finishes the next day to accommodate the inevitable hangover.
    “But a stricter employer might request doctors’ sick notes for absences taken during the course of the World Cup. 
    “As always, communication between employer and employee is key to a successful relationship.”
    So instead of scoring an own goal, it’s best to try to come to some agreement with your employer before skiving off work.
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    Footie fans previously launched a petition calling for the nation to be given a half-day off to watch England’s first World Cup match.
    Bosses at the Road to Victory arena in Manchester, Europe’s largest fanzone, want the workforce to be able to down tools to support the boys on Monday. More

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    Portugal 4 Nigeria 0 LIVE RESULT: Fernandes’ double inspires hosts win as Santos’ side run riot WITHOUT Ronaldo

    PORTUGAL’S final game before the World Cup couldn’t have gone any better – and they did it WITHOUT Cristiano Ronaldo.Bruno Fernandes’ first half double set the tone for the remainder of match.
    And Nigeria’s night went from bad to worse when courtesy of two late strikes from Goncalo Ramos and Joao Mario.

    RESULT: Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
    TV channel: Sky Sports Premier League
    Live stream: NOW TV
    Portugal XI: Patricio; Dalot, Dias, Antonio Silva, Mendes; Otavio, Fernandes, Carvalho; Felix, Andre Silva, Bernardo Silva
    Nigeria XI: Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Akpoguma, Troost-Ekong, Bassey; Aribo, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman, Simon, Moffi

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    Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
    Make the eagles super again
    Jose Peseiro has got a tough task on his hands to change the fortunes of his Nigeria side.
    Too often guilty of failing to live up to their billing, it has been a disappointing 12 months for Nigeria on the international stage.
    Shock exit from AFCON at the hands of Tunisia, followed by yet more sorrow when Ghana ended their World Cup hopes.
    Peseiro needs to work towards the AFCON qualifiers now to try and get Nigerian football back on track.
    Bond is strong within squad
    Portugal head into the World Cup, despite being one of the fancied teams, as real dark horses for the competition.
    They are capable of not turning up on the big occasion and all too often fall in the latter stages.
    On their day, they are capable of beating anyone.
    That is what makes them so dangerous, you do not know which Portugal will turn up, making them unpredictable.
    But there seems to a bond amongst the squad, all working towards the same cause, fighting for one another until the final whistle.
    Credit: Getty
    All roads lead to Qatar
    Portugal will head to the FIFA World Cup this weekend with their first fixture being next Thursday against Ghana at 4pm (BST).
    They then have their biggest test of the group as they face the likes of Luis Suarez and Darwin Nunez as they take on Uruguay on Monday 28 November.
    Their final group game against South Korea may have more importance depending on the outcome of the game against Uruguay.
    Portu-geezers head off to Qatar
    Portugal put in a solid performance this evening as they smashed Nigeria 4-0 in a largely one-sided contest.
    The Super Eagles struggled to contain the hosts and were lucky to go in at the break only two goals down.
    Despite keeping Santos’ side out for the opening twenty minutes of the second half, they were helpless to keep them out for the rest of the game.
    Portugal will head to the FIFA World Cup full of confidence of what could be.
    Credit: Getty
    FT: Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
    A solid performance for Fernando Santos and his Portugal side.
    They created problems for the visitors from start to finish.
    Portuguese fans will be confident having seen their side in such good form heading to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
    Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
    90+1. We are going to have two additional minutes.
    It is mission accomplished here in Portugal.
    They can fly to Qatar full of hope of what the tournament may bring.
    Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
    89. If anyone was questioning Portugal’s ability to score goals when Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t firing on all cylinders, their questions have been answered tonight.
    CR7 may struggle to break into this team at the moment.
    Nigeria are trying to run the clock down now, they have had enough for one evening.
    Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
    87. Portugal have really turned the screw in the last ten minutes.
    The scoreline does reflect their efforts this evening.
    Apart from a drab 20 minute period after half time, they have bossed this game from start to finish.
    Credit: Getty
    Portugal 4-0 Nigeria
    85. Great football by Fernando Santos’ side.
    The assist by Ramos was sublime, with an elaborate flick at the near post, knocking it into the path of Mario.
    It was more difficult to miss the chance such was the approach play.
    Goal – Joao Mario (Portugal)
    Portugal 3-0 Nigeria
    83. What a costly miss that penalty really was for the Super Eagles.
    No sooner was it cleared, Portugal broke with real pace.
    Laying it on a plate for Ramos to open his account.
    Goal – Goncalo Ramos (Portugal)
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
    82. The Nigerian players argue about who will take the kick.
    Emmanuel Dennis grabbed the ball and decided to take it.
    Not a convincing penalty which allows Patricio to tip it onto the post.
    Penalty saved by Rui Patricio
    Penalty to Nigeria
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
    80. Dalot is penalised for a foul on Samuel.
    Nigeria counter attack quickly, stretching the defence.
    VAR is having a look at this, it could be a penalty.
    Credit: Alamy
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
    78. Portugal will face much stronger sides than this in Qatar.
    When it comes to the group stages, you have to beat the sides put in front of you, so tonight’s experience could be key.
    Ramos manages to win a corner off Bassey.
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Felix chance
    76. Joao Felix has another chance to get himself on the scoresheet as he keeps making moves into dangerous areas.
    Taking the shot on first time, a little wide in the box, he looks to bury the ball in the far corner of the goal.
    The ball narrowly misses the back post with goalkeeper beaten.
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Felix chance
    74. Portugal attack at pace.
    Joao Felix is free at the back post and the ball is played to his feet.
    He looks to get a shot off which slightly deflects making the fingertip save by Uzoho all the much better.
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria – Chukwueze chance
    72. Chukwueze has a first chance of the game for Nigeria.
    He loses his man and has a sight of goal and looks to put it in the far corner.
    Patricio does brilliantly to save with his legs at the expense of a corner.
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
    70. Santos’ side seem to overcomplicate things at times.
    Looking to play three of four passes to do something they could do in two.
    It all gets congested on the edge of the box with Portugal unable to play through the West Africans.
    Credit: Reuters
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
    68. Portugal are probing and prodding the Nigerian defence again.
    Neither side has been much of an attacking threat in this half.
    It has turned into more of an exhibition match now.
    Not quite like that dancing contest with Tommy Fury on the weekend.
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
    66. There are jeers all around the stadium as the referee fails to award a free kick for a challenge on Joao Felix.
    He takes his frustration out on Bassey giving away a free kick.
    Portugal are guilty of trying one too many passes when attacking.
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
    64. Portugal break with Andre Silva.
    They have numbers over the visitors.
    Silva slides it to his right to Joao Mario who looks to return the favour but can only find a Nigerian defender.
    He should have taken that one on himself.
    Portugal 2-0 Nigeria
    62. Moses Simon is fouled by Mario on the edge of the box.
    Pushing Simon in the back as he glided passed him.
    It is in a wide area so would be difficult to trouble Rui Patricio from here.
    Credit: Getty
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    ‘Student’ James Maddison credits watching Man Utd ace Bruno Fernandes for his England recall for World Cup 2022

    JAMES MADDISON has credited Bruno Fernandes for his World Cup call-up.The 25-year-old midfielder hasn’t played for England since his debut in the 7-0 win over Montenegro in 2019.
    Maddison watched Man Utd’s Fernandes closely when he was trying to get back in the England squadCredit: Reuters
    He missed out at Euro 2020 and was snubbed in the last two international breaks.
    But the all-important Three Lions call-up came for the world’s biggest football showcase.
    Many were demanding Maddison’s inclusion in the Qatar-bound squad after he played a part in 27 of Leicester’s goals in 2022.
    And the Foxes playmaker has credited a Premier League rival for giving him the inspiration to succeed.
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    Maddison said: “A couple of seasons ago, when I wasn’t in the England squad, Bruno Fernandes was playing very well for Manchester United and putting up ridiculous numbers in terms of goals and assists.
    “So I probably watched him a bit closer at that time. ‘How is he scoring so many goals? What runs is he making that I’m not?’.
    “If that makes me a student of the game, then that’s what I am.”
    The former Norwich dynamo explained that his partner goes mad at him for watching studying so many matches.
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    He added: “I watch every game. My house is football mad.
    “My girlfriend goes crazy because I watch so much. During the lockdown, when there were four games a day, I had them all on.
    “I don’t think that there is a player now that I model my game on – maybe when I was younger. I appreciate all the good players in the Premier League.
    “I try and take something from each of the players I watch, whether they are a higher level, the same level or lower. If I’m watching a game on TV, I’m often watching players in my position.
    “I’m a football man. I’ve said that many times. Because I just love the game.
    “In my head, I’m still that little boy who is kicking the ball around in the garden on or with [England] face paint on.” More

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    World Cup 2022 – England vs Iran: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for Qatar showpiece

    ENGLAND’S World Cup campaign begins in just a matter of days against Iran.The Three Lions landed in Qatar on Tuesday night and checked into their hotel ahead of next week’s opening clash in Group B.
    England landed in Doha on Tuesday evening ahead of next week’s gameCredit: Getty
    The players were greeted with gifts as they checked into their hotelCredit: Getty
    England’s last World Cup tournament ended in agony as they lost 2-1 to Croatia in the semi-finals of the 2018 edition in Russia.
    But four years on from then, and with a Euro 2020 final appearance in the bag too, Southgate’s men are looking to finally overcome the very last hurdle.
    It’s been 56 years since England won their first and only World Cup, and expectations of the team continue to grow every four years.
    Iran will be their first test, before further group stage clashes with rivals Wales and 2010 World Cup group rivals USA.
    This tournament could be make or break for Southgate, who may view the Qatar showpiece as his last opportunity to finally win major silverware as England boss.
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    When is England vs Iran?

    England’s 2022 World Cup opener with Iran will get underway from 1pm UK time on Monday, November 21.
    The game will be held at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar’s capital Doha.
    The stadium was opened in 1976 and can hold up to 45,000 fans.

    What TV channel is it and can it be live streamed?

    England vs Iran will be shown live on BBC One in the UK.
    You can live stream the action from the BBC iPlayer, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
    The game is FREE to watch on the BBC, so long as you have a TV licence.

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    Who is in England’s 26-man squad?
    Gareth Southgate has finally announced his 26-man squad for England ahead of the World Cup.

    Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Nick Pope (Newcastle)
    Defenders: Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Benjamin White (Arsenal), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Conor Coady (Everton, on loan from Wolves), Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
    Midfielders: Declan Rice (West Ham), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Man City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Mason Mount (Chelsea)
    Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Callum Wilson (Newcastle), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), James Maddison (Leicester City)

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    Inside Argentina’s World Cup 2022 digs with Lionel Messi and Co staying in STUDENT HALLS so they can host barbecues

    LIONEL MESSI and his Argentina team-mates have shunned the five-star hotel treatment for STUDENT ACCOMMODATION at the World Cup. And the reason why? So they can host barbeques.
    Lionel Messi and co have arrived in Qatar as one of the tournament favouritesCredit: AP
    Argentina’s squad will be living a life similar to a Qatari student for the next monthCredit: Qatar University
    The campus has a large canteen and has 90 rooms insideCredit: Qatar University
    An open-air area has already been constructed to suite the team’s needsCredit: Qatar University
    Argentina’s squad arrived in Doha during the early hours of Thursday morning, but rather than head for some of the slicker accommodation options they have headed to Qatar University to stay in the student halls there.
    It’s not to say any of the Argentine team need further education – particularly in football given their Copa America triumph last year.
    Instead, the decision was taken by Argentine officials in order to allow them to have asados, which is one of the country’s traditional culinary dishes.
    A source from the Argentine FA told the Mail: “We visited the campus several times and chose it because not only does it have great facilities but it also has open-air space for asados.
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    “This is very important to the players and Argentines in general, it’s part of our culture.
    “We want to make them feel at home while they are in Qatar and the best way to do this is to make sure that they get a taste of home while focusing on the football.”
    A custom-built barbeque has already been installed to allow the team to enjoy asados, which is typically barbequed meat coated lightly with coarse salt and then paired with a salad and wine.
    While they will likely be told to not overindulge in the latter, the main dish of meat has been brought along for the ride along with a specialist asado chef.
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    The accommodation itself houses start-of-the-art sporting facilities including an Olympic size swimming pool and a 10,000-capacity stadium.
    The 90-room campus located on the edge of Doha is considered to be one of the leading Universities in the region.
    Messi has already confirmed that Qatar will be his final World Cup.
    As a result, he will be hoping to go out on a high after suffering in the 2014 final as Mario Gotze crashed home an extra-time winner for Germany.
    However, a trio of pundits predict that Argentina will at best make it to the quarter-finals, while they also reckon Qatar will beat England in the last 16.
    The campus is equipped with state of the art sports facilitiesCredit: Qatar University
    The Campus is located just outside of DohaCredit: Qatar University
    Messi has previously been pictured trying his hand at barbequeing More

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    England third most backed team to win World Cup behind Brazil and Argentina

    ONLY Argentina and Brazil have attracted more bets to win the World Cup in the past 24 hours than England.That’s according to Betfair, who report just under 10% of all bets in that time have been for the Three Lions to triumph.
    England third most backed team to win World Cup behind Brazil and ArgentinaCredit: Getty
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    Gareth Southgate’s men are fifth favourites in the betting to end their 56-year wait.
    And punters are flocking to back England to go all the way.
    Brazil (7/2) look worth favourites with defensive solidity and an embarrassment of riches in attack.
    Betfair customers feel likewise with 18.5% of all outright bets going on Seleção.
    That’s slightly more than the 18.4% going on Lionel Messi and co to win it with Argentina (11/2).
    The most backed sides to win the World Cup
    Then it’s England (8/1) with 9.4% of the share, with Belgium (16/1) backed at bigger odds by 7.7% of all people.
    Portugal (7%, 14/1) and France (6.8%, 13/2) are next, just ahead of the Germans (5.6%) who will fancy being there or thereabouts once more at 11/1.
    Uruguay (5%, 35/1) and Netherlands (3.1%, 11/1) are two more of the fancied outsiders, with just 2.7% of punts going on Spain at 15/2.
    The Spaniards are fourth favourites to win the competition but are seeing surprisingly low support.
    Wales have attracted 2.2% at a huge price of 125/1, with Denmark (22/1) just ahead of them with 2.7%.
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    Most backed teamBetfair

    Brazil: 18.5%
    Argentina: 18.4%
    England: 9.4%
    Belgium: 7.7%
    Portugal: 7%
    France: 6.8%
    Germany: 5.6%
    Uruguay: 5%
    Netherlands: 3.1%
    Spain: 2.7%
    Denmark: 2.7%
    Wales: 2.2%

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    Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “We’ve monitored the bets placed on the World Cup winner over the last 24 hours and England, who are 7/1 have received 9.4% of the bets.
    “Argentina, the 11/2 second-favourites have received 18.4% of the bets whereas the frontrunners, Brazil, have received 18.5% of bets and are 7/2 to win the tournament.
    “It almost looks too close to call with the 0.1% difference.”
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    Portugal boss Fernando Santos hints Cristiano Ronaldo might NOT play at World Cup 2022 as he questions recent form

    PORTUGAL boss Fernando Santos says he’s under no obligation to play benched Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo at the World Cup.The 37-year-old is having a tough season both on and off the pitch.
    Santos is under no obligation to play all-time international top scorer Ronaldo at the World CupCredit: Getty
    He has just three goals to his name across all competitions and has started a considerable amount of games from the substitutes bench.
    Ronaldo is also involved in an on-going row with Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag, who he says he does not respect, as well as the club.
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has lifted the lid on the goings-on at Old Trafford in a sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
    But despite his legendary status, Portugal boss Santos says he’s not obligated to play the out-of-form star at the November-December’s World Cup.
    READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
    On the all-time international top scorer, with 117 goals, Santos said on whether he is forced to play CR7: “Forced? This is not about forcing me.
    “This is not a requirement. No one is forced to do anything here.

    “The question could be, you could ask me, based on what Cristiano Ronaldo did [in recent weeks on the pitch] should he start?
    “This is valid for Cristiano Ronaldo and all the players who are with the national team.
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    “If the head coach is forced to put a player in the XI…there aren’t those things here.”
    Portugal play Nigeria in a pre-tournament friendly on Thursday.
    They will then contest World Cup Group H against Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea. More